Covid Diaries: Love in the time of Covid

Day 12 - The Mirror

Anna woke and looked next to her at her husband. She wondered how they had lost their passion. Getting up without disturbing him, she walked into the bathroom. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she focused in on her chin and neck. Thinking she must have gained weight, her attention shifted to her black hair which fell just below her shoulders. "I need to color it", she thought. The sun streamed through the bathroom window, highlighting the acne on her forehead. Her shoulders rounded, she stared at her chest and turned sideways. She grabbed her toothbrush and started brushing her teeth. She tried to ignore her flabby arms. Jumping into the shower, she closed her eyes and relaxed into the hot water on her back.

After getting dressed, she rolled out her yoga mat and started her morning yoga routine. Mid-downward dog position, her mind began to wander. "I need to get back to my sexy self," she thought. Relaxing into a stretch, maybe a diet would help, she could try cutting down on carbs. It would be difficult to do during Covid-19, she was forced to having all her meals at home.

"Good Morning", Mark peeked into the den and smiled.

"Morning honey", Anna smiled back. Mark's messy morning hair still looked good. His broad shoulders and height dominated his presence.

Mark disappeared into the kitchen to make coffee.

Anna rolled up her yoga mat and joined him in the kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she turned to Mark.

"I think I'm going on a diet", she announced.

Mark chuckled. "Why? You're perfect!"

"Mark, stop. I need to get fit, no question about it", Anna said trying to hide her frustration.

"Okay, it's your choice. I'll do my best to support you."

Mark left the kitchen and went upstairs to shower. Taking off his shirt, he leaned on the bathroom counter. His facial hair looked unkempt and his blonde hair needed a good color and cut. He turned sideways and inspected his belly, it looked like it had grown an inch or two. He sighed. He wondered if Anna found him attractive still. He definitely didn't have the same body, he used to be fit, just four years ago when he and Anna had gotten married. He straightened his shoulders, checking his arms, he'd have to spend some time on weights if he was going to gain back his muscle tone.

Coming out of the shower, he grabbed Anna as she walked by and pulled her to him.

"I'm going to go on this diet with you, I need to get fit as well."

"Don't be silly Mark, you look fine."

"No, there's room for improvement. We can do this together."

"Alright, let's create a fitness plan and stick to it."

"Sounds good," Mark said, kissing Anna. For a moment, they both forgot their imperfections.